too. Next year, we can fill them with our own surprises.”
“Next year? That sounds good.” She leaped into his arms. “I adore it. And you. You are the best.”
Elliott spun her around. “I’m so glad you like it. I hope to make you something special every Christmas, every year, of the rest of our lives.”
“I’m going to have to step up my game,” Hannah teased.
“No. You just keep being you. You’re perfect just the way you are.”
“Finally!” Katie said, followed by a playful laugh. “I thought you two would never figure it out. It was crystal clear to me the moment I saw you together.”
Everyone in the room nodded. “About time.”
“Now this is one Merry Christmas,” Hannah whispered. “Thanks, snow globe.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Michelle listened as the joyous sounds lifted into the air. It was kind of sad to know that the last box on the advent calendar had already been opened. Tonight, the air was crisp, but the temperature had risen enough that it was bearable with just a coat—scarf optional. In fact, it seemed like perfect snow weather, and what could top a white Christmas morning?
She took a big sniff of the air. It even smelled like snow.
Michelle stepped in front of the large crowd. As mayor of this town, she was proud to be part of such a wonderful group of people. She felt emotional tonight. This town. Thomas and David. Her friends. Life is good.
Just about the whole town was gathered here. Everyone attended the midnight processional, so the timing for this one last act from the time capsule couldn’t be more perfect. People filled the streets, kids on their parents’ shoulders, and some even stood on the benches to see over the crowd.
Michelle used a microphone tonight. “Hi everyone. Merry Christmas. I’m so proud and humbled to be your new mayor. Thank you for being a part of these wonderful festivities and annual traditions. Staying involved helps our community remain strong.”
Everyone cheered.
“Before we open this final gift, I’d like everyone to raise a glass of cocoa, or eggnog, or whatever you have handy, and join me in thanking Ezra Green for all his years of service as Mayor of Evergreen.”
“To Ezra!”
Ezra couldn’t even speak. He simply raised his hand in the air, waving as he turned in a circle. Overcome by emotion, tears ran down his cheeks, but he’d never looked happier as everyone toasted him.
Katie and Ben leaned against each other, as they toasted him as well, yelling a big thank-you above the crowd. Michelle saw Thomas whisper something to David.
Everyone finally quieted down, and Michelle raised the microphone again. “Since he helped us find the time capsule, we decided that the final box should be opened by David.” Michelle called him up to the podium. “Come on up here, David.” As they’d planned, she playfully put the Evergreen Hat Company top hat on his head. “Okay, there. Fit okay?”
“Yes.” He nodded and stepped away from her, but before he read the last gift, he stopped. “Oh, Michelle?”
“Yes?”
“We forgot to ask you…”
“Ask me what?” They’d already rehearsed all this earlier. This was not part of the plan. Had she forgotten something?
“Turn around.” David pointed into the crowd.
Michelle turned around. So tall, Thomas stood out easily in the crowd, and even more so when he went down on one knee, with a wedding ring box in his hand. A scream escaped from her as the crowd slid back, leaving Thomas front and center.
With a smile as wide as a crescent moon, he said, “To ask you to marry me, Michelle.”
“Oh, wow!” She covered her mouth. David beamed from across the way. He was such a good boy. She loved them both.
“You are, without a doubt, the most special and beautiful woman I have ever met. I knew you were the one the first day I laid eyes on you.”
“Yes!” she squealed.
“I haven’t asked you anything yet.”
“I know. But yes.”
“Michelle, will you marry me?”
“I really will, yes!” She ran into his arms.
Cheers rose from all around them. Whoops, hoorays and applause veiled the Christmas song the choir had begun singing.
Tears in her eyes, they kissed, and David patted his dad on the shoulder in a gesture showing how much he approved of Thomas and Michelle together. That touched Michelle to the core.
“Wait.” She tried to pull herself together. “David. Finish the—”
David reached into the last envelope tied to the time capsule and pulled out the letter.
“What does it say?”
“It says, ‘Now refill the boxes, seal up the wall